GREAT ELEPHANT. 217 



the branches. It has been affirmed that they run 

 as swiftly as a horse can gallop ; but Mr. Pennant 

 assures us, that what has been said on this sub- 

 ject is a mistake; and that a nimble Indian can 

 easily outstrip them. 



The contrivances for taking Elephants are va- 

 rious. The Ceylonese sometimes surround the 

 woods with numerous bands, and drive with light- 

 ed torches, and all manner of noises,, the Ele- 

 phants which inhabit them, till they are at length 

 entrapped into a particular spot surrounded with 

 strong pallisades, so as to prevent all escape. At 

 other times a kind of decoy or female Elephant is 

 sent out in order to induce some of the males to 

 pursue her, who are by this means secured. When 

 a wild Elephant is taken, it still remains to reduce 

 it to a quiet state; and to tame it, in order to be 

 made useful : this is effected by throwing ropes 

 round the legs and body, which are well secured ; 

 and two tame Elephants, properly instructed, are 

 placed on each side. The captive animal finds 

 himself gradually so fatigued by his ineffectual 

 struggles, and so much soothed by the caresses 

 occasionally given by the trunks of the tame 

 Elephants, by the food from time to time pre- 

 sented to him, and the water with which he is 

 refreshed by pouring it over him, that in the 

 space of some days he becomes completely tame, 

 and is placed with the rest of the domesticated 

 troop. Sometimes, in order to subdue them the 

 more effectually, they are deprived of sleep for a 

 considerable space. 



